Locked In

Last night we got locked into the living room. Oh yes.  The handle on the door to go out of the living room has been a bit sticky of late but although the other half and I have both been meaning to have a look at it, neither of us have had the chance.

I was ironing when my eldest tried to open the door to go to the loo.  He kept grabbing at the handle but it wouldn't open.  Exasperated I attempted to show him how to do it (again)! Only I couldn't open it either.  So my husband came strutting into the living room from cooking the dinner (I have a husband who cooks how lucky am I?). He then attempted to show us all how to open it but he couldn't do it either.  He tugged and tugged and then..... the handle came off in his hand and he flew backwards.  Fortunately the sofa broke his fall.  Unfortunately my youngest was sittting on said sofa cuddling the cat.  The cat took umbridge at being pounced on by a human adult male and did a cartoon impresssion of a cat in fright - back arched with claws extended.  Unfortunately for youngest child the claws extended into his leg leaving a lovely criss-cross pattern up his legs.

Husband managed to get in from the front door and took the handle off from the outside and hey presto we were released!

There must be eaiser ways to go to the loo!

Take care - and watch those door handles - they have a habit of biting back.

Linda

Holiday Reading

My holiday at Easter may seem like it was in the dim and distant past but thankfully, the books I read are not.

So here's some reviews of the books I read.  First of all is:

All That Mullarky by Sue Moorcroft

I've been a big fan of the previous two Sue Moorcroft books I've read - Starting Over and Want To Know A Secret?

All That Mullarky certainly didn't disappoint. I wouldn't go so far as to say the kids could have drowned while I was reading it but it might have been a close call.

Sue creates such wonderfully vivid and likeable characters that you can't but help want to become involved in their lives and travel with them on their journey.

At the beginning of this novel it looks as though Cleo's marriage to the controlling Gav is at an end. When he tells her that she has to choose between him and going to a school reunion, she chooses the school reunion because she doesn't like his ultimatum. Half way there, though, she has a change of heart but when she returns home she finds that Gav has packed his bags and scrawled a nasty message on the bedroom wall. Distraught, Cleo goes in search for her sister for a shoulder to cry on but ends up having a one night stand with the irresistible Justin. It's an event that changes the course of Cleo’s life, but I’m not going to tell you any more, you’ll just have to read it for yourself.

Next I read:

　

Sweet Temptation by Lucy Diamond

I love Lucy’s books, her characters are so down to earth that you instantly fall in love with them. Sweet temptation is the perfect holiday read (despite the fact that you are probably overeating). It's the story of three women who, at the beginning of the novel, are overweight and unhappy with their lives. Determined to loose the weight they join a slimming club called Fatbusters. Through hard work and a good support network, they not only become fitter and healthier but together they learn how to make their lives better. If you want to loose some pounds yourself, read this book and you will be inspired. Unfortunately inspiration alone does not loose the pounds

　

　

Emily's Innocence by India Grey

A Portuguese Prince and an English aristocratic ballerina - you can't get much more decadent than that, and the hero and heroine of India's novel do not disappoint.

India has created characters who pull at the heart strings with her fragile yet strong heroine and her haughty, bad boy hero with a hidden heart of gold which only Emily can melt.

The pages simply explode with passion as we fight for the two to overcome their insecurities and flaws and end up with their rightful ending, in each other's arms. Thanks India, you've done it for me again.


And finally for today we have:

A Sister's Gift - Giselle Green

Two sisters - Holly, a stay at home, dependable, married woman, who desperately wants a child but is unable to; and Scarlet, much younger and ambitious, working to protect the rainforest.

Scarlet is following in her mother's footsteps, who also worked in the Amazon and was killed when Scarlet was very young. Scarlet was brought up by her mother's friend and later, by Holly herself.

When Holly asks Scarlet to be a surrogate for her, Scarlet initially refuses, but as her personal circumstances change, she agrees.

This is a story of obsession and betrayal, and shows how a personal desire for something can destroy everything.

At times this story is rather bleak but it confronts serious issues and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. I think this book would make an ideal book club read because it would spark plenty of healthy debate.

Not a light read but enjoyable all the same.

Linda

How Time Flies!

I can hardly believe that it’s the middle of June already and this is my first blog of the month.  Can I use the bank holiday extravaganza and half term as my excuse? Probably not, but in between everything else, I’ve been working on the edit of my submission for the RNA’s New Writer’s Scheme.  I’m just over half way through the third draft of my novel and am doing a massive re-write. 

I suppose that I should have sorted out a lot of these problems before now, but I’m consoling myself that it’s all part of the learning curve.  I’m much happier with what I’ve written and am hoping that after this draft, a quick read through will be enough to reach a stage where I’m happy to submit it. In saying that, I may not have an option as I’m rapidly running out of time.

Time, as with most people, is my biggest enemy.   I’ve just downloaded Peter Jones’ book How To Do Everything And Be Happy onto my Kindle.  I came across this book on Della Galton’s blog. (Sorry can't put the link in here but it's http://www.dellagalton.co.uk/?p=695)  Unfortunately I didn’t find it in time to get it free (what does that tell you?) but at £1.99 it’s still a steal.  It will take a miracle to sort out my life but even if the book gets me closer to getting organised, it will be a bonus. Personally I think only not needing to sleep would work at the moment.  Still, here’s hoping. Now I just need to find the time to read it!

It seems like a long time ago now but I thought the Jubilee weekend was fantastic.  Apart from the weather that is, which was a real British disappointment.  It’s such a shame that it couldn’t have been like it had been the previous weekend.  All that hard work dampened by the lack of sunshine. Mind you if it been, no doubt there would have been problems because it was too hot. Never happy are we?

I know a lot of people aren’t overly fond of the monarchy, viewing it as an outdated institution and a drain on society, but the Jubilee celebrations really made me feel proud to be British.  

When we want to, us Brits can really put on a good show, and that was clearly shown.  To me the events of the weekend put the Great back into Great Britain.  

This country has the most amazing history, especially as far as our Kings and Queens are concerned, and that heritage generates revenue through tourism. I’m not an economist and couldn’t possibly comment on whether the money the monarchy generates outweighs what it costs, but there is more to life than money.  And I do feel that our current Queen sets us apart from the rest of the world.

I was exhausted after the couple of parties and events I went to over the weekend but it was nothing compared to the Queen’s schedule. At 86 years of age you can’t fault her stamina and dedication to her duty, not just in the last few weeks but throughout her reign.  When you think about the changes which have happened during that time you have to respect her for still being so popular.

She’s had some horrible years, particularly in the recent past, and she hasn’t always got it right; her response to Diana’s death being an example of where the nation’s favour turned against her.   But she has learnt and adapted and now I feel that the key members of her family are so much more respected because of the way she has guided them.

There were particular highlights of the weekend for me, firstly the flotilla on the Thames.  The river has always been a major character in the history of London and I felt it fitting that it was included in the celebrations.   In times gone by the river was the main transport system through the capital as well as a link to trade with foreign countries. It’s poignant to think that whilst it has been a means for celebration, it is also the method by which traitors (or alleged traitors) were transported to the Tower and their subsequent deaths.

I was particularly moved to see the “Little Ships” included as without these private individuals who responded to Churchill’s plea, so many more lives would have been lost at Dunkirk. It is this spirit which makes me proud to be British and it was important that they were remembered.  

You have to admire too the way that the Queen and Prince Phillip did not sit down once throughout the journey, although I fear that the weather may have brought on Philip’s subsequent illness – he is 90 after all!

I thought the concert on Monday was an amazing success too, particularly the set where Madness played on the roof of the Palace.  The lighting team were outstanding. 

To be honest I’ve been a big fan of Prince Charles but I found his speech at the end of the concert moving.   I felt that he came into his own over the weekend and I’m sure his mum was so proud of him.

Now, I hope that the Queen has a bit of chill out time – she certainly deserves it and we don’t want her getting ill now do we?

And on to the next thing – Euro 2012. As you may know from this blog my menfolk are big football fans, so we will be watching England tonight and on Tuesday with our fingers crossed that they will get through to the next stage of the Championship.  I think it might take a lot more than crossed fingers though!

Have a good weekend.

Olympic Torch Disappointment

Yesterday my family went to watch the procession of the Olympic torch through Chester. As we didn’t have tickets to watch the celebrations at the racecoorse which was the main area of the celebrations, we decided to head to the Town Hall to watch the procession from there.

We arrived in plenty of time but already the crowds were out in force. We found a spot in front of the Visitor Centre, which was slightly raised, and which, we hoped, would give our children a better view. A band played from the steps of the Town Hall and the atmosphere was expectant. This really was going to be a once in a lifetime experience.

To the side of us giant dummies were receiving a lot of attention and they really looked the part.

 

There was also one of the Queen and one of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. I felt proud to be British.

Then, just before the procession arrived, the dummies were moved to the top corner of the road opposite the Cathedral, completely blocking not only our view but also the view of many other people. We asked why the dummies needed to be placed in an area which obliterated the view of people who had come specifically come to support the Olympic procession and were told it was at the Council’s request. However, later they were moved back slightly, although still blocking our view, and I suspect they were placed here so that

This is how our view was blocked.

The Jubilee Giants are going to be a big part of Chester’s celebration of the Diamond Jubilee and they are very impressive. However, I fail to see why the positioning of them last night took precedence over the public who had come to see the Olympic torch, a completely separate event from the Diamond Jubilee. The giants were receiving enough attention without needing to spoil the occasion for many others. I’m sad to say that what I thought would be a once in a lifetime experience turned into a giant disappointment.

Guess who won't be bothering to go and see the giants on Monday!

Impersonating a Chipmunk

For the last few days I have been doing a really good impersonation of a chipmunk - believe me it's not a good look.

On Thursday I had to have some dental surgery on my gum to try and resolve a persistant problem I've been having with an abcess above one of my teeth. I've had two root canal treatments but they didn't work so they decided to tackle the problem through the gum.

It's not a pleasant procedure because they have to cut the gum and then stitch it back up again, and now I have a mouth full of stitches.  I was warned that there would be some swelling and possible bruising.  Thankfully there hasn't been any bruising but I did wake up on Friday morning feeling like I'd been hit by a cricket bat - hence the chipmunk impression.

The swelling has gone down now thankfully and I am being to look like me again.  Still a bit sore and tender but it's worth it if it's going to do the trick.

I was warned that I would have to rest for a few days.  I'm not very good at resting but I decided to take the advice given to me and took a couple of days off work.  And did I pick the right two days?  I ignored the fact that the garden desperately needs weeding, did a bit of writing and a lot of reading.   It was hard work topping up the tan though.  It's wonderful being outside and I'm loving this weather, although it does make me want to take an afternoon nap, which is a bit difficult now that I'm back at work.

I'm sure the weather will break soon, but fingers crossed for a good weekend, it would make the celebrations so much nicer bathed in sun.

I hope it's fine tomorrow too as the Olympic torch will be coming through Chester and I hope to take the boys to see it.  Not sure if we will get to see much, if anything, as it's bound to be crowded, but it's a once in a lifetime experience and I would love my boys to be part of it.

Take care

Linda

Reading, Reading, Reading

Although I didn’t manage to do much writing on holiday, I did do a fair bit of reading. My Kindle came into its element and I read books which I had had stored on there for a while.

Before I review them though, I’ve still got some books I read earlier to tell you about. Hope I’m not boring you! The first one is:

The Secret Shopper Affair

I love this author and this series so when I found this book in the library, I couldn’t resist taking it home with me. As ever Kate kept my fingers turning page after page. I’ve enjoyed travelling with the lives of the three main characters, but I think that perhaps they have gone as far as they can go. I’d be happy for Kate to prove me wrong though

A Room Swept White - Sophie Hannah

I decided to take a small step away from my usual preferred reading genre and try something slightly more edgy. This book still has women at its centre though as it is the story of three women who have lost children through Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and then have been convicted of murder and later acquitted.

It’s hard to think of anything worse than losing your baby, or in this case babies, but then to be imprisoned for their murder, well, it just makes me shudder.

This is the story of how these women try and deal with their lives post acquittal but it is also a thriller which kept the pages turning. In some places I found the plot a little contrived, but I’ll certainly be looking out for more of her books

What Alice Forgot

This is the story of Alice who has an accident in the gym and loses her memory of the last ten years of her life. When she wakes up she thinks she is completely in love with her husband and is pregnant with her first child. In reality, she is 39, a “supermum” of three and is going through an acrimonious separation from her husband. As Alice tries to reconcile the person she has turned into with the person she remembers, we find out piece by piece how her life has become so complicated. This is partly revealed through dairy entries by her sister, who has her own traumas as repeated attempts at IVF fail. Can Alice reconcile her 39 year of self with the person as remembers and will she be able to fix her marriage? I’m not telling. It’s up to you to find out for yourself but I really enjoyed this book.

And finally,

A Gathering Storm

I enjoyed the first book I read by this author, reviewed here and particularly loved the atmosphere and the sense of place she created, as well as liking her characters. But I found some of the plot twists a bit too contrived.

This, however, cannot be a complaint of A Gathering Storm. Like A Place of Secrets, this book was also set in the present and the past, this time during World War II. It was a bit more linear than the previous book and the part set in the past was particularly engaging. I didn’t always feel comfortable with what happened in the past, read it to find out, but it certainly presented parts of the war I have never encountered before. 　

This author is definitely on my To Read More Of list.

 

And that's it for now, more reviews later.  Have a good week eveyone.

Linda

　

　　

It's My Birthday!

Another score on the calendar of life, but does this face look bovvered????  No, because age is just a state of mind - or so I keep telling myself.  Actually I've decided to count backwards from 40 so today am I 36 years young, and I got 36 kisses from my boys this morning to prove it.

Actually, after the hectic partying a few weeks ago, I must admit that I'm happy to have a quiet one this year.  A glass of pretend fizz and sharing cripsy duck with my family tonight will be the pefect way to spend the day.  Besides which we're off to a dinner at a local hotel at the weekend with the footie crowd so that will be my celebration.

Despite the fact that I have a few more wrinkles, and considerably more grey hairs, I feel I'm finally growing into my skin.  At the moment, I'm in a relatively happy place.  I could do with more time, but who couldn't.  Now, all I need is a book deal, or at least to sell a few short stories and life will be perfect.

Whatever you are doing today, have a happy one.

Linda XX